Whether you want to shop, hit the casino, or enjoy a day at the beach along the Lakeshore, Michigan City has something for everyone. Although it is famous for its many attractions, perhaps one of Michigan City’s most significant characteristics is its thriving brewing industry.
Michigan City and its surrounding area are filled with a wide variety of breweries, bars, pubs, and wineries for residents and tourists to choose from. J.T. Schwartz, president of Shady Creek Winery, has seen firsthand just how much of a positive impact Michigan City’s breweries have had on the community.
“Shady Creek Winery and the breweries around Michigan City employ hundreds of locals looking to create a career in hospitality,” Schwartz said. “Each destination offers something unique, building on a dynamic cultural experience for the residents of Michigan City. There is no shortage of high quality food and beverage options at Michigan City’s wineries and breweries. For example, Shady Creek Winery’s brand-new sparkling wine beverage Creek Water is a wine-based canned cocktail with natural Thai lime flavoring. Perfect for everything from football games to bonfires, Creek Water is the ideal drink for anyone looking to level up their fridge this fall.”
Here’s a closer look at some of Michigan City’s most prominent breweries and wineries!
Brewery Lodge's Brew Bus – Want to sample the beverage selections offered throughout the Midwest, but don’t have time to make the drive? Then the Brewery Lodge's Brew Bus is the solution for you! These tours feature over 12 of the area's most prominent breweries, distilleries, and wineries. You and your friends can visit locations like Zorn Brew Works Co. and Shoreline Brewery in Michigan City on the brewery tour. Take the winery/distillery tour to see what's on offer at establishments like Journeyman Distillery in Valparaiso or Brix Tasting Room in Michigan City. Check out brewerylodge.com/new-page-1 to book your group’s tour today.
Shady Creek Winery – Shady Creek Winery prides itself on offering its customers the premier Midwest winery experience. Shady Creek boasts a variety of signature wines like Zinfandel, which mixes the flavors of strawberries, cranberries, and raspberries, and the sweet White Caps which combines Traminette, Riesling, Vidal Blanc, and Seyval Blanc in a fresh and fruity blend. Be sure to try one of Shady Creek’s delicious meals, such as the Sriracha Chicken Thin Crust Pizza or the Shady Creek Smash Burger. Shady Creek also offers a wide selection of events, including trivia nights and behind-the-scenes tours of Shady Creek’s production facility. Please visit shadycreekwinery.com today to book your next wine tasting or sign up for an event.
Shoreline Brewery – Since 2005, Shoreline Brewery has offered its patrons a vast array of handcrafted beer options. This family-owned establishment is still proudly run by founder and Brewmaster Sam Strupek. Not only can patrons enjoy iconic Shoreline Brewery specialties like the Curse the Goat doppelbock lager or the award-winning Beltaine Scottish Ale. Patrons can also choose from Shoreline Brewery’s wide selection of international meals like the Grecian Lamb Burger or the Korean Bulgogi Nachos. Shoreline Brewery also features an outdoor pavilion where patrons can watch artists perform in the Summer Music at Shoreline series. You can learn more about this family-owned establishment by visiting shorelinebrewery.com.
Burn Em’ Brewing – As its slogan states, Burn Em’ Brewing is all about “comforting the disturbed and disturbing the comfortable.” This Michigan City brewery delights in using internationally and locally sourced ingredients such as spruce tips and even chocolate milk to enhance traditionally brewed beverages. Visit the taproom to taste signature drinks like the Blueberry Mr. Tea fruit beer or the Cotton Candy Alky Seltzer. You can also take in a live musical performance as you enjoy one of Burn ‘Em Brewing’s delectable salads, burgers, or sandwiches. Keep up-to-date on Burn ‘Em Brewing’s upcoming musical performance dates and live updated beverage menu by visiting burnembrewing.com.
The Brewery Lodge & Supper Club – This charming boutique resort hotel situated right in the center of Michigan City is the perfect location for a rustic getaway. Stop by for dinner and enjoy a drink in the craft beer and wine lounge or book a weekend stay in one of the Brewery Lodge’s 12 well-appointed suites. The Brewery Lodge has a large selection of beverages for patrons to try, including Zorn Brew Work Co.’s Golden Grain Cream Ale. It also offers patrons numerous wine options, including Trimbach’s Pinot Blanc 2019 white wine, which is imported from Alsace, France. Enjoy one of the Brewery Lodge’s featured dishes like The Elk Burger or the Tapenade Salmon, which includes olive crusted salmon served with a fresh spring mix, asparagus, pepper aioli, and goat cheese. Visit brewerylodge.com today to book a room or your next private event.
Bare Bones Gastropub – An extension of Burn ‘Em Brewing, this bar-restaurant hybrid nestled in the heart of downtown La Porte prides itself on making almost all of its dishes from scratch, drawing its resources from across the country. Customers can choose from an array of colorful meal options including White Cheddar Pimento Mac ‘n’ Cheese, Charred Cabbage Wedge, and the Bare Bones Burger. Bare Bones Gastropub also offers an assortment of beverages such as Grateful Fedd, a signature beer from Crown Point-based Off Square Brewing or the S’mores imperial stout from Fort Wayne’s 2Toms Brewing. Please visit barebonesgastro.com for more information.
Zorn Brew Works Co. – Zorn Brew Works Co.’s story started when the P.H. Zorn Brewery Complex in Michigan City began producing and distributing beer in 1871. After enduring the turn of the century and Prohibition, the complex eventually ceased operations. In 2016, Zorn Brew Works Co. was established on the site of the original complex. Zorn has several signature beverages on tap, such as the Pilsenzorn American lager and the Red Devil Red IPA. Signature beverages from Michigan City-based Trip Fermentations are also available, like the Marquette Mulled spiced cider and the Arny Palmer lemon and black tea cider. Patrons can also dine on delectable food options like the Margherita Flatbread and the Vegan Mushroom Cheese Steak Sandwich. Go to zornbrewworks.com for more information about Zorn’s menu options and upcoming live musical performance dates.
Steve Murray, owner and head brewer at Burn ‘Em Brewing, anticipates a bright future for Michigan City’s breweries and wineries.
“The growth of Michigan City’s breweries over the past decade has been great and I expect that growth to continue in the coming years,” Murray said. “Michigan City has a diverse selection of food and beverage choices. We have the best locals around and we have a great tourist crowd during the summer season as well. We’re truly fortunate to be located so close to Lake Michigan, one of the greatest natural water sources in the Region. Burn ‘Em Brewing strives to make a great beer that reflects our area’s orchards and farms. We recently debuted our new Oktoberfest lager at our Oktoberfest celebration this year and it is now on tap alongside our fresh hop harvest ale.”
In their own unique way, each of these breweries and wineries helps make Michigan City the premier destination for those who are interested in experiencing the full scope of the Region’s rich beverage and food culture.
Please visit michigancitylaporte.com to keep up-to-date with Michigan City’s upcoming announcements and events.